New Meningitis Vaccine Required for Illinois Students

As families prepare to send children back to school, immunizations and physicals should be on the back-to-school checklist.

For many Illinois students attending public, private or parochial schools, this means showing proof of vaccinations against several diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps and measles.

In addition to immunizations, children must receive physical examinations prior to entering Illinois schools for the first time, prior to the date of entering kindergarten or first grade, prior to entering sixth grade, and prior to entering ninth grade, according to Illinois law.

School-aged children who have not had a physical examination, are considered be non-compliant with Illinois law whether or not they have received the required immunizations.

Proof and physical examinations are required to be provided to schools before October 15.

Also, starting this fall, the state of Illinois is introducing a new requirement for vaccination against meningococcal disease (MCV4) for students entering 6th and 12th grades.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children ages 11-15 years old receive MCV4 vaccine for meningitis, and a one-time booster preferably administered at age 16 through 18 years, before the peak in increased risk.

Adolescents who receive their first dose of MCV4 at or after 16 years do not need a booster dose.

The family doctor and health clinics can administer vaccines. Wellness centers, such as Walgreens, also offer back to school vaccinations.

Illinois law also requires that proof of an eye examination by an optometrist or physical who provides complete eye examinations to be submitted to the school no later than October 15 of the year the child is first enrolled or as required by the school for other children.

Chicago Public Schools provides a list of immunizations and examinations required for students to meet minimum health requirements. Parents and guardians with further questions can also call the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness at 773-553-3560.

The Illinois Department of Public Health provides a list of required and recommended immunizations for school-age children. Parents and legal guardians who, for religious reasons, object to immunizing their children for entrance to school, are also subject to new laws that require a doctor-signed certificate of religious exemption.

IDPH Required and Recommended Immunizations